Topical Bible: Glory: Temporal is Given by God

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In the biblical context, "glory" often refers to the honor, splendor, and divine presence associated with God. However, Scripture also acknowledges that God bestows temporal glory upon individuals, nations, and His creation according to His sovereign will. This temporal glory, while significant, is distinct from the eternal glory that belongs solely to God.

Divine Bestowal of Glory

The Bible illustrates that God is the ultimate source of all glory, and He chooses to bestow it upon whom He wills. In 1 Chronicles 29:12, we read, "Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all." This passage underscores that any honor or glory experienced by individuals is a direct result of God's sovereign choice.

Glory Given to Individuals

Throughout Scripture, God grants temporal glory to individuals for His purposes. Joseph, for example, was elevated to a position of great honor in Egypt. Genesis 41:41-42 states, "Pharaoh also told Joseph, 'I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.' Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck." Joseph's rise to power and glory was orchestrated by God to preserve His people during a time of famine.

Similarly, King Solomon was endowed with wisdom and wealth, bringing him great glory. In 1 Kings 3:13, God says, "Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." Solomon's glory was a testament to God's blessing and favor.

Glory Bestowed on Nations

God also grants temporal glory to nations, often as a reflection of His covenantal promises or as a means to fulfill His divine plan. Israel, as God's chosen people, was promised glory among the nations. Deuteronomy 26:19 declares, "And that He will set you high in praise, fame, and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as He has promised."

However, this glory is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. When Israel strayed, their glory was diminished, demonstrating that temporal glory is both a gift and a responsibility.

Glory in Creation

The natural world also reflects the glory given by God. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Creation itself is a testament to God's majesty and the glory He imparts to the universe. This glory serves to point humanity back to the Creator, inspiring awe and reverence.

The Transience of Temporal Glory

While God bestows temporal glory, it is inherently transient and serves a specific purpose within His divine plan. Isaiah 40:6-8 reminds us of the fleeting nature of human glory: "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of earthly glory and the eternal nature of God's word and glory.

Purpose of Temporal Glory

The temporal glory given by God serves to accomplish His purposes on earth. It can be a means of blessing, a demonstration of His power, or a tool for fulfilling His promises. Ultimately, all glory, whether temporal or eternal, is intended to direct attention and worship back to God, the source of all glory.

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Daniel 2:37
You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
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Library

The Power and Glory of God Shine Forth in the Weakness of Human ...
... the sublimity of the revelations, there was given unto me a ... an increase of love,
there a greater glory is wrought ... But if the present temporal life, which is of ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter iii the power and glory.htm

Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ...
... anxious concern about the supply of our temporal wants, since ... need, according to
his riches in glory by Christ ... than this requirement, when he has given us such ...
/.../letter xix submission to the.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... when they were no longer encompassed by temporal trials. ... for their own sake, but
with a view to God's glory. ... rule: use them, as far as given, with gratitude ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
... Brief is the glory which is given and received of men. ... He who desireth true and eternal
glory careth not for that which is temporal; and he who seeketh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vi of the joy.htm

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
... distinguishing them from all that is earthly and temporal. ... distinguishing glory in
them; such a glory as, if ... to show how this light is immediately given by God ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/edwards spiritual light.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... that the word of God concerning the future glory of the ... to advance by faith, came
the promise of temporal prosperity ... had been so sorely tried"was given a most ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

The General Service to a Monk-Martyr.
... beauty of the world and the temporal food and ... Glory ...Both now...the Theotokion :
Wonder struck was Joseph ... thy bringing forth, for thou hast given birth unto ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xviii the general service.htm

The Church of God.
... They were expecting a kingdom to excel in temporal pomp and glory the grandeur ... He
must possess a talent or God-given ability to teach the Word to others ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... It is an indisputable fact that God hath not, in temporal matters, given to every ...
the scale and have nothing about them that can make them glory in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm

That Solitary or Hermit's Life Passes Common and Mixed Life. And ...
... all transitory things, and cast away temporal things; and ... desire only everlasting
joy, and are only given to devotion ... him that has sought only the glory of his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiii that solitary or.htm